When war came to Poruset, Russia, in 1916, Rachel Weinstein decided it was time to move her young children, Yehuda and Esther, to a new home in America. But their journey on foot across war-torn Russia was treacherous. Along the way they got caught in a crossfire and Yehuda's hand was badly wounded. Even after he fully recovered at a hospital in Kiev, the family worried they would be turned back at Ellis Island, in spite of the fact they had an older son waiting for them in New York City. This highly visual account of the experiences of one Jewish immigrant family is told from the point of view of 11-year-old Yehuda, the author's father. His realistic worry that his weakened arm will be a problem, along with his anticipation about meeting an older brother he has only heard about, add dramatic tension to an already compelling story. Family pictures, documentary photographs of Ellis Island immigrants and artifacts, and original bronze-colored drawings illustrate Jehuda's story. (Ages 7-12)

As the huge ship pulled into New York Harbor, Jehuda and his family quickly gathered their few belongings. Looming ahead of them was a giant green statue, and beyond lay the huge city. Jehuda thought to himself, So this is America! Jehuda and his family have struggled through hunger, poverty, and war in their Russian homeland. They even lost their beloved father and a sister to the fighting. Thankfully, Jehuda's brother moved to America, and was able to send his mother and siblings money for passage on a ship. Now, armed with a few bags of clothing and a traditional teapot, the family is grateful to be heading toward their new life in New York.